Classic Cream Puffs
James Carrier
Bring out your inner pastry chef and make a cream puff dough, called pâte á choux, and then a luscious cream filling to pipe into the cream puffs. These are also the same basic components that you make for éclairs, but éclairs are usually topped with a sweet icing.
How to Make It
Step 1
Spoon Cream Puff Dough into 10 equal mounds (about 1/4 cup each) about 2 inches apart on two lightly buttered 12- by 15-inch baking sheets.
Step 2
Bake in a 375° regular or convection oven until puffs are golden, 25 to 35 minutes; if baking the sheets at the same time in one oven, switch their positions halfway through. With a wooden skewer, poke each puff in several places, then continue baking until golden brown, dry, and crisp, 5 to 8 minutes longer. Transfer puffs to racks to cool completely.
Step 3
Slice the top third off each puff. Fill each bottom with 1/2 cup of one of the following: ice cream, Chocolate-Orange Cream, or lightly sweetened whipped cream flavored with vanilla or a liqueur. Cover with tops, and drizzle each puff with 2 to 3 teaspoons chocolate ice cream topping or sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.
Chef's Notes
You can make the puffs (through step 2) up to 12 hours ahead; wrap airtight and store at room temperature. Freeze to store longer. To use, place puffs (thawed, if frozen) slightly apart on a 12- by 15-inch baking sheet. Bake in a 400° oven until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes.
maryfsu1's Review
Amazing! I served with strawberries. i think this would be the perfect dessert to serve for company b/c u can make the puffs ahead.
Gloria88's Review
Note to Stellamaris: the cooking directions are in the recipe for "Classic Cream Puffs". Just click there.
hhhhhh's Review
These are beautiful and easier than you'd think. My first batch came out flat -- I felt that poking it with the wooden stick deflated it. The second batch I did not poke and they came out the appropriate shape. It also helps if you put the dough in tall mounds on the pan, if possible. My first batch the dough spread out a little on the pan before I put it in the oven, and I felt that also contributed to the flatness.
I served these with the Chocolate-Orange Cream (delicious) and sliced strawberries inside, then topped the puff with drizzled chocolate sauce, as in the photo. My guests were wowed at the appearance and taste!
AllisonDK's Review